Stephen Alan “Steve” Showalter, 80, of Inman, died December 26, 2023, in Baton Rouge, LA, while on his way to Orlando, FL, to support his beloved K-State Wildcats football team. He was born August 28, 1943, in Hutchinson, to Russell Dale and Blanche Irene (Yoder) Showalter.
Steve graduated from Inman High School in 1961 and Kansas State University in 1986. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, after 23 years in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam from 1967-1968. Steve was founder and co-owner of Showalter Fireworks, Inc., and founder and former co-owner of Rainbow Fireworks, Inc. He also owned Steve Showalter & Co., a property rental company, and was one of the original founding members of Interfaith Housing Services. Steve was passionate about mission work and K-State football. He also enjoyed farming, traveling, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with his grandchildren and coffee buddies. Steve was a member of American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68 and served as Team Host for the NJCAA Basketball tournament since 2011. He was a lifelong member of South Hutchinson Mennonite Church and was active in the CrossPoint Church family.
On January 31, 1985, Steve married Peggy Kay Damme, in South Hutchinson. She survives.
Also surviving are: his children, Matthew Showalter of Hutchinson, Michelle McCray (Damon) of Inman, Sean Smith of Hutchinson, Amber Knowles of Hutchinson, Stephanie Ukele (Jason) of Salina; siblings, Pat Willems (Dennis), John Showalter (Lana), Jim Showalter (Carol) all of Hutchinson, Cindy Martens (Eldon) of Inman; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and grandsons, Blake Showalter and Joseph McCray.
Graveside service will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Yoder Cemetery, 3605 E. Longview Rd., with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at CrossPoint Church, 1410 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson. Attendees are encouraged to wear K-State attire.
Friends may call from 12-5 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023, with the family present to receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ripples from the Well Inc., in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.